Board > 2011-2012 Board of Directors
President - Melanie Griffin earned her undergraduate degree in business finance (2003) and her law and master of business administration degrees (2006) from Florida State University. She is an AV rated associate attorney at Dean Mead and practices in the area of commercial litigation with an emphasis on business torts, employment law, landlord/tenant matters, probate and trust litigation, real estate litigation and trade name litigation. In addition to serving on the CFAWL Board of Directors, Melanie is a member of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors (Executive Board and Affiliate Outreach Conference Chair), Orange County Bar Association - Young Lawyers Section (At-Large Executive Board Member), Florida A & M College of Law Board of Visitors (Mentoring Program Chair), and the Seminole Torchbearers Board of Directors. Further, Melanie has recently been the recipient of the following awards and honors: 2011 Most Productive Member of The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors, 2010-2011 Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2010-2011 Legal Elite Up and Comer, 2010 Florida Association for Women Lawyers Leader in the Law Award, and the 2009 Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division Most Productive Young Lawyer Award.
President-Elect - Angela Miller is a registered patent attorney, board certified in Intellectual Property law by The Florida Bar, and a Senior Associate with the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. in Orlando, Florida. She practices all aspects of Intellectual Property law, including, but not limited to: patent prosecution; trademark prosecution; copyright prosecution; software, technology, and Internet law; Intellectual Property commercial transactions; and Intellectual Property litigation. She is a member of The Florida Bar and admitted to practice before all Florida State Courts, all Florida District Courts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In her spare time, Angela enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful daughters.
Treasurer - Jessica Price McGinnis earned her undergraduate degree in Business Management (2004) from the University of Florida and her Law degree (2007) from Barry University School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. She is the Vice President and In House Counsel at Price Management where she focuses mainly on employment law. While at Barry, Jessica served as a Senator for two years in the Student Bar Association and was an associate editor for the Law Review. Jessica recently served as the co-chair for the Community Outreach Fair on behalf of CFAWL. Jessica is also a member of the Orange County Bar Association.
Treasurer-Elect - Cinnamon Baker is the Director of Career Services at Barry University School of Law where she is responsible for the creation and implementation of comprehensive career planning and job search guidance to students and graduates. She is an active member of the National Association of Legal Placement (“NALP”), a North American organization comprised of both law school career services and of law firm recruitment/professional development. In addition to CFAWL, Cinnamon’s professional affiliations have included Orange and Seminole County Bar Associations, Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida, and the ABA. She has also served as co-chair of the OCBA Strategic Planning Committee. Further, her community involvement has included the Advisory Committee to the Valencia Paralegal Studies Program, the Young Professionals' Group of the Orange County Regional History Center, and the Board for The Animal Welfare Alliance of Central Florida. Cinnamon is a proud Florida native from the panhandle. In her spare time she enjoys trying to not kill her plants, never really finishing a book, and doing much of nothing with her other half, James.
Secretary - Sarah Wallerstein Koren is currently the Director of ESE and Staff Attorney II for Orange County Public Schools Educational Leadership Center. Prior to working at CLSMF, Ms. Koren worked at the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, as an Equal Justice Works Fellow/Guardian ad Litem Program Education Attorney representing the educational needs of foster youth. Ms. Koren has presented on the issues of educational advocacy to: Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates; National Association of Counsel for Children; Department of Children and Families, Family Case Mangers; Orange County Public Schools, Foster Care Liaison Program; Pro-Bono Guardian ad Litem attorney trainings; and the Orange County Dependency Summit. She is a member of The Florida Bar Education Law Committee. Ms. Koren received her B.A. in education and her M.Ed. from the University of Florida. She received her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University.
Membership Director - Amanda Perry practices at the Rosenthal Law Firm, P.A. in the area of general commercial litigation, with a focus on creditor's rights, including the representation of financial institutions in connection with commercial loan workouts and litigation. Amanda also specializes in commercial landlord tenant disputes, including the representation of commercial landlords in eviction actions. Amanda is a 2006 graduate from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. While at the Levin College of Law, Amanda was the Symposium Editor of the Florida Law Review, a position which gave her the opportunity to organize the Dunwody Lecture in Law. She also organized a panel for the Public Interest Environmental Conference, was an active member of the Environmental and Land Use Law Society, and participated in the Conservation Clinic, where she worked closely with local governments on various projects, including drafting local legislation. Amanda received Book Awards in Estates and Trusts, Property, Legal Research and Writing, Appellate Advocacy, and Florida Administrative Law, and was admitted to Order of the Coif. Amanda received her Bachelor’s degree, with high honors, from the University of Florida, where she majored in Agricultural Education and minored in Agricultural Law. In her free time, Amanda enjoys watching any Gator sporting event and running half marathons. She will be completing her next half marathon in San Francisco on July 31, 2011 to raise money for colon cancer awareness and prevention.
Membership Co-Director - Camy Schwam-Wilcox opened her own firm in December 2009. Prior to attending law school, Camy was a paralegal for three years at a labor and employment law firm. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BA in English Literature in 1994, and she graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 1999 with her J.D. While in law school, Camy was a paralegal for the Attorney General’s office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Prior to going into private practice, Camy was an Assistant State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Camy currently practices in the areas of: Matrimonial and Family Law, Criminal Defense, Bankruptcy (7 &13), Dependency, Domestic Violence Injunctions, and Wills. Camy is also a Family Law Mediator, and does extensive Guardian ad Litem work, both in domestic and dependency cases. In addition to serving on the CFAWL Board of Directors, Camy is a member of The Inns of Court (Family Law), Orange County Bar Association (Family Law Executive Committee), Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida, and Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She is a “Teach-In" volunteer for Orange County Public Schools. Her proudest accomplishment is being a mother to her 4 year old son Riley and her 3 year old daughter Bradleigh. Camy enjoys tap dancing, the theater, travelling and spending as much time with her family as possible.
Programs Director - Jacquelynne Regan is a fourth-year associate at the law firm of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A., where she concentrates her legal practice on commercial litigation, intellectual property, and corporate and securities work. Ms. Regan counsels clients regarding business-related issues and corporate matters, with an emphasis on significant contract and intellectual property disputes in both state and federal courts. She represents a wide array of clients including individuals, start-up companies, and national and multi-national corporations involved in various industries. Ms. Regan currently serves the Legal Aid Society as a Guardian ad Litem and as a volunteer mediator for the Citizen Dispute Settlement Program. She also serves as the Communications Director for the Young Lawyers' Section of the Orange County Bar Association. Ms. Regan is a graduate of the William & Mary School of Law.
Programs Co-Director - Barbara Leach earned a bachelor’s in English from Rollins College, prior to going on to law school at Florida State University. Prior to becoming a lawyer, she worked in public relations and event planning, served as a recruiter for a staffing agency, and spent five fun-filled years teaching the joys of rubber stamping. Now, she's a solo-practitioner who focuses her practice on general litigation and consumer bankruptcy. For leisure, she loves to ride her bike and spend time with her six-pound Chihuahua Brule—although not at the same time!
FAWL Representative - Wynne McFarlin is a 1989 graduate of Stetson University College of Law, cum laude, and holds a BS from FSU. After law school graduation Wynne clerked for a Federal Bankruptcy Judge before joining a firm where she practiced primarily in the field of bankruptcy. Prior to starting Legal Talent in 2006, Wynne ran the Orlando branch of a nationally recognized legal staffing firm. Starting as a new attorney and continuing through today, Wynne routinely handles pro bono guardian ad litem cases on behalf of children for the Legal Aid Society of the OCBA. When not working, Wynne enjoys spending time with her husband David (also an attorney) and their son Austin who is a freshman in high school. They enjoy lots of outdoor activities, sports, traveling, church related activities and theme parks. Wynne also makes time most days to train so she can participate in triathlons.
OBCA Representative - Keshara Davis received both her undergraduate degree (B.S. Criminology 2004) and her law degree (J.D. 2007) from Florida State University. She currently works as Bar Counsel for The Florida Bar in Orlando, Florida. As bar counsel, Keshara is responsible for the investigation of complaints against attorneys accused of violating the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. She handles all phases of the disciplinary trial including filing appellate briefs with the Florida Supreme Court. In addition to serving on the CFAWL Board of Directors, Keshara serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Florida YMCA Teen Achievers, is a Justice Teaching volunteer at Carver Middle School, and serves as a judge for the annual statewide Mock Trial and We the People competitions.
Public Relations Director - Ashley Calhoun Winship is an attorney with Broad and Cassel and practices in the area of tax, trusts, wills, and estates. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Florida Southern College in advertising and graphic design, Ms. Winship attended Stetson University, where she earned both a Master of Business Administration and a Juris Doctor. During her tenure at Stetson, Ms. Winship served as a student intern to U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas G. Wilson at the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and Articles Editor for the Stetson Law Review. Ms. Winship earned a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida College of Law, where she served as an assistant editor for the Florida Tax Review. In 2006, the Florida Southern College chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa recognized Ms. Winship with its annual "Grads Made Good Award." She is the author of published literary and scholarly works and has been active in numerous professional and community organizations.
Director-at-Large - Amanda Green currently serves as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Orlando. She primarily practices Labor & Employment Law. In 1992, Amanda graduated from Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina with a B.A. in history, sociology and a concentration in criminal justice. She obtained her J.D. in 1995 from North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina. While in law school, Amanda clerked for the U.S. Attorneys’ office – Eastern District of North Carolina and the U.S. Army JAG Corps – Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After graduation, Amanda worked at Glaxo Wellcome and Service Design Associates. She relocated to Orlando in 2000 after marrying Orlando attorney, C. Douglas Green. She is licensed in North Carolina and Florida. Amanda spent her first year in Florida working as an Assistant State Attorney for the 9th Judicial Circuit. From there she worked six years for the national Labor and Employment law firm, Ford & Harrison LLP. Amanda has served as President of Membership for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR); President of the Orlando Chapter of NAAAHR; and President of Orlando Young Professionals (OYP). She has also served as a member of various organizations including: North Carolina Bar Association, OCBA, Paul C. Perkins, ABA, FPELRA, NPELRA, IMLA, and Florida Bar – Labor and Employment Section, just to name a few. Amanda is a mother of two. In her spare time, she enjoys family and friends, traveling, cooking and reading.
Young Lawyers Chair - Megan Malec is an associate attorney at N. Diane Holmes P.A. and practices in the area of marital and family law. Prior to joining N. Diane Holmes P.A. in May 2011, Megan was a staff attorney for the domestic relations division of the Ninth Judicial Circuit. Megan graduated from the University of Central Florida with a B.S. in legal studies and a minor in business administration in 2004. Megan went on to obtain her J.D. from Stetson University College of Law. As a member of the Client Skills Board at Stetson, she participated in several client counseling and arbitration competitions throughout the country and won the ABA Law Student Division National Arbitration Competition in 2006. She was also the recipient of the 2007 Carol R. Samuels Unsung Hero Student Leadership Award. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and new dog, playing golf, and running.
Judicial Liaison to Ninth Judicial Circuit - Judge Antoinette F. Plogstedt was elected Orange County Judge in 2000. She has served in a criminal division for 6 years and a civil division for 4 years. In 1987, she graduated from the University of Tampa with a B.S., cum laude, in Marketing and a minor in Business Administration. In 1990, she graduated with a J.D. from the University of Florida, where she served on the Moot Court Board. She served as Secretary to the Orange County Bar Association, OCBA YLS Board Member, and CFAWL Board Member. She was an AV rated lawyer and received the Award of Excellence from the Legal Aid Society for her GAL work. Judge Plogstedt serves as Chair of the Orange County Elections Canvassing Board and is a Mentor Judge. She is a member of the OCBA Foundation Board, Teen Court Advisory Board, Rotary, and the League of Women Voters. Judge Plogstedt and her husband, Marc, are raising their 4 daughters in Orlando.
Judicial Liaison to the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit - Judge Nancy F. Alley was elected to the Circuit Bench of Seminole and Brevard County in 1996 and began her first six-year term in January 1997. She has been reelected without opposition twice since then. She has served in the Family, Probate, Civil, Criminal and Juvenile Divisions. She has also served as the administrative judge for Civil, Family, Probate, Juvenile, and Appeals from County Court. Currently, she serves in the Civil/ Family Division. She helped found the Consequence Unit for Juveniles for violations of Community Control and Probation; the Transitional Village for foster kids aging out of the system, and the Supervised Visitation Center and Monitored Exchange Center for Seminole County. The Seminole County Bar Association has recognized her for her contributions to Professionalism, Judicial Excellence, and Public Service.
The Florida Bar and Supreme Court appointed her as the Vice Chair of the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee. She has also served on the Public Information and Member Benefits Committee, and the Out of State Division Executive Counsel of The Florida Bar, as well as the Florida Counsel of Past Bar Presidents. Also, she was the representative to the Young Lawyers Board of Governors as an attorney. For 9 years she taught Wills and Trust Drafting at Barry law school as an adjunct professor. She graduated from Villanova School of Law in 1983 and her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Journalism is from the University of Mississippi. As an attorney she had a diverse general litigation practice.
Her husband, Tom, whom she met at Ole Miss is a retired Navy Captain, a Commercial Pilot, and a project manager for the US Army in Training Systems. Her son, Jeff, a Florida Gator, is a Navy Helicopter Pilot who served in the Indian Ocean on the Anti-pirate task force and is currently an instructor. Her daughter, Marion, is also a graduate of UF in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Management, and is currently working at the Delta Rivers Wildlife Preserve in Arkansas.